Terry Biviano Spring Carnival Interview

Terry Biviano Spring Carnival Interview

Leading Australian milliner, Suzy O'Rourke, The Star's official Melbourne Cup ambassador, has provided her tips on how to create, choose and wear the perfect hat or fascinator this Spring Carnival.

How to put on a fascinator: 'Traditionally hats are worn on the right hand side, but really some people prefer it on the left so it's whatever suits your hairstyle and outfit. I love a hat worn on an angle and sitting just above the right eyebrow. For a really polished look, I prefer hair pulled back or to one side," O'Rourke says.

How to match your dress to your fascinator: 'It's best to not have too much going on, so if your hat is the statement, keep the outfit simple. Being racing season I think it's a great opportunity to make it all about the hat!" O'Rourke says.

Headpiece or hat: 'Either look fabulous – sculpted pieces on headpieces or headbands with gorgeous embellishment are really comfortable to wear. Classic styles like berets, discs and cute boaters always work with unique trims," O'Rourke says.

Season's big colours: 'This season we are still seeing lots of wonderful colour - popping pinks, blues and oranges as well as neon. Neutrals and pastels are really beautiful and feminine and work with the 20's Gatsby style and of course you can never go wrong with black and white – so stylish and chic," O'Rourke says.

Best places to buy: 'Either from a milliner – they will have hats you can try on or can custom make a piece just for you – or a department store or boutique. Make sure you try on as many hats as possible so you can work out what style makes you feel the most fabulous," O'Rourke says.

Interview with Terry Biviano

Question: What colours are perfect for this year's Melbourne Cup?

Terry Biviano: Colour is a big trend this Spring/Summer so any colour you desire will be perfect for this year's Melbourne Cup.


Question: What are your main tips for choosing the perfect dress for the Melbourne Cup?

Terry Biviano: My main tip for the perfect dress for cup day is that it is racing appropriate and you feel comfortable and fabulous wearing it. Think of these words: appropriate, comfortable, flattering, simple, modest, demure and pretty. All of these looks are bang on trend whatever your age.

Question: What is the etiquette in regards to the length of dresses suitable for the Melbourne Cup?

Terry Biviano: The length of dresses should traditionally be knee length but it is much more relaxed these days so any length works as long as it is not too short, no micro mini's! There are rules for the track and being dressed like a lady, is one of them.


Question: Should we avoid strapless dresses?

Terry Biviano: Traditionally you should avoid strapless dresses but I have seen many women in the past do it well. I think being Spring Racing and the warm weather you can get away with it as long as you're not showing too much skin.


Question: Are pants still a huge no no in regards to dressing for the Spring Carnival?

Terry Biviano: No… I think pants are spot on trend, they can look very chic and are an extremely unique look for the races!


Question: How important is it that our shoes and bag match our dress and hat/fascinator?

Terry Biviano: Personally I always like to match my shoes, bag and hat but I think you can have fun with it and clash your colours and accessories, do whatever makes you happy and compliments your look.


Question: Is there etiquette in regards to shoes?
Terry Biviano: The etiquette in regards to shoes is traditionally court shoes or kitten heels which are back in fashion but like everything else it is up to your own interpretation. Open toe shoes work well for Spring Racing as long as they are not inappropriate evening shoes and comfort is always a must.


Question: How can we plan for the temperamental Melbourne weather?

Terry Biviano: Dress for the weather, just because it is Spring it does not mean it will be sunny and warm; it may be rainy and cold. Wear Spring/Summer colours but cover your shoulders or bring a wrap and have an umbrella ready if needed.


Question: How can we help our men dress for the Melbourne Cup?

Terry Biviano: We can help our men dress by encouraging them to be adventurous and add stylish accessories such as hats, pocket squares, bow ties to their look.


Question: Which celebrities do you look to for Spring Carnival inspiration?

Terry Biviano: Gai Waterhouse and Kate Waterhouse.